Dzukija National Park

Dzukija National Park

Dzukijos National Park in Lithuania

Dzūkijos- it’s one of the major national parks in Lithuania. It’s famous for pine tree forests which hides tiny wooden Lithuanian villages, sandy rivers and lakes and of course famous Druskininkai resort neighbouring to Dzukija National Park. People come here for kayaking and hiking in Lithuania, biking tours, Lithuanian cuisine dishes tasting, banya on wood attractions, historical sites and much more other things to do in Lithuania.

Dzukija – land of Lithuania national park

Dzukija is the name of Southern Lithuania.It’s a well known region for park-like forests full of berries and mushrooms and ancient traditions which still exists in ethnographic Lithuanian villages of the region .

For a long time locals have been known as modest and friendly people that live in a land of beautiful nature. The lifestyle is simple here: women pick herbs, berries and mushrooms, men cut trees and hunt.

Not much food can grow in these sandy grounds of Dzukijos National Park.The only buckwheat can survive in these soils. For this reason Lithuanian cuisine meals cooked by locals are different than usual potato dishes especially liked by Lithuanians. Dzukija National Park villages inhabitants make very special buckwheat dishes in combination with the nature goodies.

Cepkeliai reserve – nature monuments of Lithuania

Cepkeliai reserve is the largest high-marsh in Lithuania. It has some little lakes, islands, remains of continental dunes, taiga type woods, amazing diversity of fauna and flora and nature monuments of Lithuania . Cepkeliai swamp extends for 5.9 hectares. There are about eighty islands and islets in it. The largest populations of Lithuanian capercailzie, cranes, great snipe, owls live in the reserve of 11, 2 hectares. Here you can meet even black cocks and black storks! This is one of those few places where you can find wolves and lynx, and many moose that feed here during the winter time.

Cepkeliai natural reserve is protected by Lithuanian goverment. Therefore human activities are particularly restricted here. The only exception is for the residents of the neighbouring villages.They are allowed to pick cranberries once a year.And no wonder-these people have been doing this since the Mesolithic era! This Lithanian natural monument is only 7 – 8 kilometres away from holiday villa “Dzukijos uoga” – your nature lodging at Dzukija National Park.

Cepkeliai natural reserve is situated in Dzukija National Park Lithuania. It has 11 bike trails and 10 hiking in Lithuania countryside options. There are a lot of kayaking routes on Ula, Merkys and Gruda rivers. All the trails goes through picturesque places and great viewpoints.

Wildlife has thousands of colours… the moonlight bewitches by plenty of sounds… if you want to experience all of this, Lithuania holidays awaits for you!

Lithuanian villages of Dzukija National Park

The turns of history helped Dzukija land to save authentic timbered Lithuanian villages in untouched nature.

Viršurodukisis one of these Lithunanian ethnographic villages where Lithuania countryside villa “Dzukijos uoga” is situated. There are only three permanent residents in this village of Dzukija National Park.Viršurodukis comes to live only during the summer, when the weather is nice and warm, espetially during mushrooms and berries season.A marked bike trail runs through our nature holiday house.It’s one of thirteen bike trails leading through the most picturesque places of Dzukija National Park in Lithuania.

In nearby Puvočiaiyou can explore the trace of ancient Lithuanians who lived here even during the Stone Age. There are many old wooden houses with traditional decorations in Dzukija- land style.

Marcinkonys is the largest village in Dzukijos National Park and in all Lithuania.It was first mentioned in the written sources in 1637. This Lithuanian village welcomes you with a wooden Simon and Jude Thaddeus church built in the 19th century. In Marcinkonys you will find Cepkeliai Natural Reserve museum, Aklaezeris Lake, continental “Rooster” dune.“Zackagiris” and “Girinis” hiking paths along Gruda river. Dzukija National Park visitors centre is also located in Marcinkonys.

Zervynos is one of the oldest and most protected ethnographic Lithuanian villages with the wooden houses and thatched roofs.It’s situated along beautiful river “Ūla” Zervynos are also known for it’s wooden Dzukija-style crosses. Here starts major Ūla river canoeing route. You can find forest surrounded “Išrūginis “and “Mekšrinis” lakes with small sandy beaches nearby.

Musteikais also an architectural site of Dzukija National Park . It’s famous for Beekeeping museum and beekeeping educational programme. Here you can find an old beekeeping path with a lot of hollow- beekeeping signs.

Margionys village still followssome unique pagan tradition.During the All Saints Day and eight evenings after local people gather by the hollow pine tree in the village’s cemetery putting-up a bone fire, praying, talking and remembering the dead. In Margionys village you will also find Lithuanian barn theatre that was established in 1920.

Rivers and lakes of Dzukija National Park Lithuania

Merkys river. The slow current of Merkys is perfect for family canoeing and camping lovers. Holiday home rentals “Dzukijos uoga” can offer you a 1 – 2 days canoe tours during which you will enjoy beautiful sandy shores, singing of birds, untouched nature and ethnographic Lithuanian villages of Dzukija National Park. Merkys joints bigest Lithuanian river Nemunas in Merkinė town which is 12 km away from our Lithuania vacation rentals

Ula is one of the most beautiful rivers in Lithuania. Surrounded by pinewoods it’s famous for the sandy shores, vivid views and the lively current so loved by canoeing enthusiasts. It’s one of the most spectacular Lithuanian rivers. Ula is perfect for adults or families that like water tourism.

Ula eye hydrological monument is a beautiful eye-shape spring close to Ula river, on the left bank between Mančiagirė and Žiūrai villages. You can reach this place by car, by bike or by canoe. There are many scary stories created about Ula eye. However, you shouldn’t believe all of them-it is just a heritage of Lithuanian folklore.

Gruda is a winding stream with many bridges and barrages. When the water is high canoeing on Gruda river could be very attractive.The most impressive part of the route is just before the confluence with Merkys river. The scenery and nature will fascinate you during the whole way.

Dzukija National Park has 48 lakes. Some of them have sandy shores and small forest beaches inviting you to take a bath, the others lies in remote areas, environed by a wonderful Lithuanian nature and spectacular views. Due to their remoteness these lakes are rich of legends and stories.

Holiday home rentals “Dzukijos uoga” is only a few kilometres away from Trikampis lake (Triangle lake). Wanderers are very rare here. If you would even see anyone- it’s most likely will be a nature lover looking for new shots for his camera. People say that there are a few post-war planes that sank in the lake.

Bakanauskai tiny swamp with a little lake is also a quite interesting turits site with a spectacular view. You can reach the lake following Skroblus marked turist trail.

Lodging in Dzukija National Park

Lodging in Dzukija National park means stay at rural Lithuanian homesteads. The service and facilities of such rentals may vary from basic up to top end accommodation. Villa “Dzūkijos uoga” is situated in Dzukija National Park, 18 km to Druskininkai resort. This is a new stylish Dzukija National Park lodging equipped with all required amenities for your comfortable stay at Lithuanian countryside.

Surrounded by pine forest and waters of the park our countryside villa is a perfect solution for your holidays to Lithuanian nature. We can accommodate groups from 8 up to 18 guests. Only one group of guests per time is allowed. This guarantee your privacy with a personal touch.

For your exceptional lodging in Dzukija National Park our villa can offer a spacious backyard surrounded by pine forest, a pond and a stream.The backyard is equipped with:

The outdoor gazebo with a big table for 12-18 guests for dining in nature surroundings